As April car sales dip, auto makers pin hopes on new Govt

Cars sales remained subdued in the month of April with manufacturers pinning hopes on the new government, to be formed after general elections, to revive consumer sentiment.

Some major players, including Maruti Suzuki India, Toyota Kirloskar Motor and General Motors India reported a decline in domestic sales, while companies such as Hyundai Motor India Ltd, Honda Cars India and Ford said their sales increased during the month on the back of their new models.

Market leader Maruti Suzuki reported 12.6 per cent decline in its April sales during the month at 79,119 units. Sales of the company's popular mini cars segment comprising M800, Alto, A-Star and WagonR declined by 25.4 per cent to 26,043 units, while premium compact cars consisting of Swift, Estilo, Ritz saw 9.9 per cent rise in sales to 23,659 units.

Mahindra & Mahindra also saw its domestic sales dropping by 15 per cent at 34,107 units as against 39,902 in the same month previous year.

“It is unfortunate that the auto industry has not seen an upturn over the last couple of months in spite of a reduction in excise duty," M&M Chief Executive (Automotive Division) Pravin Shah said. The company expects that post the general elections, sentiments would improve, leading to a better economic situation and hence increased demand, he added. General Motors India also reported a 35.30 per cent decline in April sales at 5,302 units.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor also saw its domestic sales decline by 16.04 per cent at 7,562 units in April. On the other hand, Hyundai Motor India's domestic sales increase by 8.78 per cent at 35,248 units last month. Commenting on the sales performance, HMIL Senior Vice-President (Sales and Marketing) Rakesh Srivastava said the domestic volume growth is in line with this year's objective of growth in volume and market share. "Growth is led by sedan and utility vehicles across geographies, with new products Xcent, Grand and Santa Fe adding volumes with an overwhelming response from customers," he added.

Similarly, Honda Cars India posted a 30 per cent increase in domestic sales at 11,040 units in April, riding on the success of its premium sedan City. The company sold 7,044 units of the car in April.

Ford India also posted rise in domestic sales last month. The company sold 6,651 units in April, up 66.15 per cent from same month previous year.